Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh): A chaos erupted during the Muharram procession in Ujjain on Sunday night, after some people from the rally broke barricades to enter the restricted routes. This led to a stampede-like situation, with hundreds of people running around to save themselves. As a result, people carrying the huge tazia lost balance and the holy structure fell down.
In the videos going viral on social media, people can be seen standing on the barricades and jumping, while the police are continuously hitting them with sticks.
Check out the video below :
According to information, the incident happened near Khajurwadi Mosque, where a few participants ignored police instructions and tried to push a symbolic horse (Burraq) through the barricades.
This act increased the tension between the crowd and the police.
As the situation got worse, some people pushed the barricades, and a horse hit the barrier, causing police officers to fall back.
The police first gave warnings, but when the crowd did not listen, they had to use lathis (batons) to control the situation. Two policemen were injured during the clash.
Every year in Ujjain, a Muharram procession is taken out in memory of Hazrat Imam Hussain. This year too, thousands joined the march, which included tazias, flags, and symbolic horses.
Police had already decided a safe route and told the organizers not to go into restricted areas. But some people still insisted on taking that path.
After controlling the situation, Ujjain Police took strict action. SP Pradeep Sharma said that 16 people, including some organisers, have been booked for causing violence and stopping government work.
The police are using CCTV footage and other proofs to identify more people involved. Strict action will be taken against all guilty persons.
